WhatsApp E-Mitra: Prioritising e-governance, the Bhajanlal government of Rajasthan has extended the E-Mitra service to WhatsApp. This allows users to access all E-Mitra services from the comfort of their homes using their mobile phones. Initially, services such as electricity and water bill payments will be available via WhatsApp E-Mitra, with plans to expand the range to ten services in the future.
Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal launched the upgraded WhatsApp E-Mitra service on July 1st. Simply send a ‘Hi’ message to the saved WhatsApp E-Mitra number (94610-62705) to activate the chatbot, making desired services available in both Hindi and English at the user’s fingertips.
What is WhatsApp E-Mitra?
WhatsApp E-Mitra is an extension of Rajasthan’s existing E-Mitra service. It enables users to access 27 different services—including certificates for domicile, caste, birth, death, EWS status, and ration cards—directly from their mobile phones via WhatsApp, eliminating the need to visit government offices. Additionally, users can access services related to ‘Jan Aadhaar’ and the police department, as well as information on government schemes. The service is designed to be fast, simple, and transparent, ensuring a positive user experience.
How does WhatsApp E-Mitra work?
To use WhatsApp E-Mitra, users must first save the service’s WABA number (94610-62705) to their phone contacts. Next, they need to send a ‘Hi’ message and select the desired service. After selecting the service, the user must provide their Jan Aadhaar number to log in; once OTP verification is complete, they can immediately avail themselves of the chosen services.
How safe is WhatsApp E-Mitra?
Regarding concerns about potential user data leaks via WhatsApp e-Mitra, a DoIT nodal officer explained that all user information and services are routed directly through the DoIT data centre and require OTP verification. He added that the API-level integration ensures the data remains technically secure, as information is accessible only to the registered individual via OTP.
WhatsApp e-Mitra Service is Free
WhatsApp e-Mitra services are completely free for citizens, and according to DoIT, the self-service WhatsApp e-Mitra facility will remain free in the future. Users can immediately report any issues related to WhatsApp e-Mitra by calling 181. DoIT states that its round-the-clock integrated call centre will promptly resolve all user complaints.
e-Mitra Services on WhatsApp
Most e-Mitra services will soon be available directly via WhatsApp e-Mitra. The Chief Minister has already launched a new, upgraded version of the e-Mitra mobile app to facilitate this. Through this, citizens will be able to pay electricity and water bills and avail themselves of services like mobile and DTH recharges from the comfort of their homes. Users will be able to complete all tasks on the app that are currently handled at e-Mitra kiosks.
Over 100 Services to be Linked to the Chatbot
In the next phase, DoIT is working to add more than 100 additional services—including those linked to ‘Jan Aadhaar’—to WhatsApp e-Mitra. Currently, e-Mitra already provides over 200 services in the state. The government aims to alleviate difficulties for the common man by integrating these citizen-centric services with WhatsApp.
While users can currently operate the WhatsApp e-Mitra chatbot via text, future updates will also enable voice-based operation. The DoIT Nodal Officer said work is underway to enable the WhatsApp e-Mitra chatbot to operate via voice messages in Hindi, English, and Rajasthani.
WhatsApp e-Mitra to be a 24×7 service
The WhatsApp e-Mitra service activates as soon as a user sends ‘Hi’ to the designated WABA number. It asks for the user’s Jan-Aadhaar and phone number and, after OTP verification, presents a list of available services for the user to select. This allows users to access government schemes from the comfort of their homes. The Rajasthan government is transforming WhatsApp e-Mitra into a round-the-clock service.
Conclusion
WhatsApp e-Mitra is a significant initiative by the Rajasthan government to simplify e-governance and promote digitalisation. Through this platform, citizens can access various government services via WhatsApp from home, without visiting an e-Mitra centre or a government office. While the service has launched with 27 offerings, the goal is to add over 100 services in the future.